This College Is Giving Stressed Students Service Dogs In Training

By Daniel Miller, Jul 11, 2019

College is probably one of the most stressful experiences you can ever have in life. Sure, all the parties are fun, and you get to make some great friends, but it’s no joyride. Unless you want to waste your time there and leave without a degree, you have to buckle down and work hard. That can put you in a bad place mentally, but thankfully, one college has found the solution to that – dogs!
This College Is Giving Stressed Students Service Dogs In Training

The College For Dogs

If you’re a student at Rutgers University, then you may be aware that it’s a very special institution in America. It’s one of only two places that offers training for service dogs who grow up to aid the blind. Essentially, the college pairs the puppies with students at the school. These people then help care for the animals as they prepare for the biggest job of their lives. For the students who foster a dog, it’s one of the most rewarding roles ever. However, they’re not the only ones who get to enjoy these furry friends.

Who Called For A Dogsitter?

Not everyone is prepared to look after a dog when they’re a full-time student. Caring for yourself is hard enough when you’re in college, let alone having the responsibility of an animal on top of that too. Fortunately, you can still spend some time with these lovable companions if you get a job as a sitter. Much like a babysitter, you essentially watch over the animal when their current carer is unable to. So, not only do you get to hang out with the dogs, but you also get to avoid making any major commitments to them.

This College Is Giving Stressed Students Service Dogs In Training

Training The Dogs

While this scheme is hugely beneficial for the stressed-out students who need a pick-me-up, it’s also great for the dogs too. There’s no knowing who they’ll be responsible for once they’re old enough to work. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to expose them to as many different people and environments as possible. The more diversity they experience in life, the better it will be for them once they’re older. So, basically, everyone wins here.

We wouldn’t blame you if you just started looking into becoming a student at Rutgers University. The idea has crossed our minds too. This sounds like a fantastic scheme and one that must help dozens of people and service dogs every year.